Freud and Stanislavsky. New Directions in the Performing Arts: By Donald Freed. Foreword by Lawrence J. Friedman, M.D. New York: Vantage Press, Inc., 1964. 128 pp.

This is mainly a series of lectures originally delivered by the author to confreres in the theater; and he speaks well. Part of it consists of

an exhortation to work hard and strive for inner truths, just as Freud and Stanislavsky had done. Donald Freed is breathlessly enthusiastic about the possibilities for man, especially in the theater.

The author himself, in the first paragraph of his opening chapter-lecture, is critical of his endeavor, wondering whether the connection he has made of these two great men is indeed a tour de force. It is. Donald Freed, like some of us, has the enviable torment of having two ego ideals and would like to place both mountains in one range. He is indeed correct in finding the high level of personal integrity and honesty in both; also, Freed discerns the premium on personal expressiveness which both advocated and maintained. Beyond these, neither man 'knew' the skills of the other. To feel things deeply, to identify, to allow things to arise from the 'very depths', may only sound like psychoanalysis.

I would have preferred a book on Sartre and Stanislavsky where matters of authenticity of roles and role playing on and off the stage could have been discussed. Sartre always had one foot on the boards. Can you imagine Freud teaching someone how to act?

Donald Freed is a delightfully bright person, a Brigid Brophy type, (I'm sure he won't mind that comparison), who should be heard from often. Next time with a better format, better editing, and an index, please.